信息

• Pinyin: xìn xī
• Hanzi breakdown: 信 = 亻(person) + 言 (speech); 息 = 自 (self) + 心 (heart), meaning 'news/rest/breath'

Meaning

Information or message. Refers to news, data, or any communicated content.

信息 is used broadly for both digital messages (like texts and emails) and general information. It is one of the most common words in modern Chinese, especially in technology contexts. Related words include 消息 (news/message) and 资料 (materials/data).

Examples

1. 我收到了一条新信息。 I received a new message.
2. 这个信息很重要，请你记住。 This information is very important, please remember it.
3. 他给我发了一条信息。 He sent me a message.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, daily communication

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 请把信息发给我。(Please send me the information.)
• 我还没有看到那条信息。(I haven't seen that message yet.)

Don't Say

• 我收到了一个信息 (Use 一条 as the measure word for 信息, not 一个 — say 我收到了一条信息)

Origin & History

信 means 'letter' or 'trust,' and 息 means 'news' or 'breath.' Together they form 'information' — trusted news or communicated content.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal